Dairy farming is a year-round commitment that requires dedication, skill, and a deep understanding of livestock and the systems used when rearing cattle. From early morning milking sessions to ensuring the herd’s health and nutrition, no two days are ever quite the same. Let’s take a look at what a typical year looks like for a British dairy farmer.
Winter: Caring for cows through the cold
Winter is one of the toughest times of the year for dairy farmers when rearing cattle. With cold temperatures, shorter days, and muddy conditions, the focus is on keeping the herd comfortable and productive.
- Housing & Nutrition: Most dairy cows are housed indoors during winter to protect them from harsh weather. Farmers ensure they have a steady supply of high-quality forage, silage, and supplementary feed to maintain milk production and body condition.
- Milking Routine: Cows are milked at least twice a day, every day. In modern dairy farms, milking parlours or robotic milking systems help streamline the process.
- Calving Season Begins: Some herds calve in the winter, so farmers monitor pregnant cows closely, ensuring smooth deliveries and healthy calves. Newborns need extra care, especially in cold weather, with adequate colostrum and warm bedding.
Spring: Turnout & fresh pastures
As the weather improves, cows can return to the fields—a moment dairy farmers and cows alike look forward to.
- Grazing Management: Carefully managed turnout helps ensure cows transition smoothly from winter feed to fresh grass, which improves milk quality. Electric fencing is installed, offering for temporary or permanent fencing.
- Breeding Season: Artificial insemination (AI) or natural service begins to ensure next year’s calving is well-timed. Farmers track heat cycles and genetics to maintain a productive herd.
- Maintenance & Repairs: With cows out to pasture, winter housing is cleaned, repaired, and prepared for the next cold season.
Summer: Peak milk Production & silage Making
Summer is a busy time, with long hours and hard work ensuring both the cows and the land remain productive.
- Milk Production Peaks: With lush grass and longer days, cows are producing at their highest levels. Farmers carefully balance their diets to maintain yield and quality.
- Forage Harvesting: Silage and haymaking are in full swing, with farmers working tirelessly to harvest and store enough high-quality feed for winter. Timing is crucial to maximise nutrition.
- Heat Stress Management: High temperatures can affect milk yield, so farmers provide shade, extra water, and ventilation in barns to keep cows comfortable.
Autumn: Preparing for winter & drying Off
As days shorten and temperatures drop, farmers prepare for the transition back to winter housing.
- Drying Off Cows: Some cows are given a break from milking before calving to allow their bodies to recover and prepare for the next lactation.
- Health Checks & Vaccinations: Preventative health measures, including vaccinations and parasite control, help ensure the herd stays in peak condition.
- Final Harvests: The last of the silage and forage crops are stored, ensuring there’s enough feed for the coming months.
Dairy farming is a 365-day job, requiring resilience and a strong work ethic. Each season brings its own challenges and rewards, but the satisfaction of producing high-quality milk for British households makes it all worthwhile.